At the turn of the century, Calumet region high schools were designed primarily for academics.  Students were encouraged to learn a trade or prepare for college.  Typically, exercise programs encouraged play rather than competition.  So most schools did not have elaborate gymnasiums, playing fields, or swimming pools.

    However, as student populations increased after 1920, high schools expanded programs in competitive sports and developed a variety of athletic facilities.  By the late thirties, competitive sporting events attracted wide support, drawing thousands of fans to local football fields and gyms.  High school sports became community social events.

    By 1960, concerns over the physical fitness of teenagers led to the further expansion of athletic facilities.  But competitive sports remained paramount.  Consequently, high schools  introduced weight rooms to promote strength training and conditioning for competitive athletes.  Largely unseen by local fans, this training affected dramatically the quality of competition.  Increasingly, high school athletes participated in yearlong programs, preparing for competition  in the weight rooms.

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